Bering Straits Native Corporation, the Alaska Native corporation that represents much of the Seward Peninsula and islands in the Norton Sound, announced Cindy (Aġnaqhiq) Towarak Massie as President, and Dan Graham as the new CEO.

BSNC announced in a press release on Monday (Dec. 11) that the Board of Directors made the decision to split the President and CEO position. In the release, BSNC Board Chair Roy Ashenfelter said the split would allow the company to prepare for growth.

Massie has served on the Board of Directors since 2019. She is a co-founder of the Outdoor Channel, a television channel focusing on the outdoors. She used to own the award winning production and program development company, Winnercomm Incorporated. Currently, She also serves as the president for the Thomas and Cindy Massie Foundation, which belongs to her and her husband, Tom Massie. It has supported numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

In the release, Ashefelter said that Massie’s entrepreneurial experience will benefit the company.

Massie said “Our Alaska Native values are integral to the company and our community, and I am committed to preserving our cultural heritage while creating opportunities for economic growth at BSNC.”

Graham served as the Interim President and CEO for six months after BSNC announced the separation from previous president and CEO and has been part of the company for nine years. Before joining BSNC he served as the President and CEO of Ahtna Engineering Services. In the statement, he said he appreciated the board for trusting him with the responsibilities that come along with the CEO.

_{Photo at top: Cindy Towerak Massie was announced BSNC President on Monday, December 11. She has been on the BSNC Board of Directors since 2019. (Photo provided by BSNC)}